Zhang Weili, the dominant force at strawweight, reclaimed her title in late 2022. Despite being the underdog to Tatiana Suarez in their recent bout at UFC 312, Zhang proved the oddsmakers wrong with a decisive victory. UFC CEO Dana White praised her performance at the post-fight press conference, highlighting her as one of the greatest female fighters in the sport.
White noted that Zhang’s popularity in China has skyrocketed, with millions of views on UFC platforms and trending as the top star during fight week. The possibility of a matchup between Zhang and flyweight champion Valentina Shevchenko was also discussed, with White expressing openness to the idea.
Zhang’s impressive defense at UFC 312 showcased her dominance, with Suarez unable to mount much resistance outside of the first round. White commended Zhang’s performance and stated that she would likely get any fight she and her team request.
Shevchenko, the current flyweight champion, is also a two-time UFC titleholder and holds the top spot in Uncrowned’s pound-for-pound rankings. A potential clash between Zhang and Shevchenko has fans buzzing with excitement.
When asked about her thoughts on pound-for-pound rankings, Zhang emphasized her focus on self-improvement and readiness for any challenges that come her way. She expressed willingness to discuss a potential matchup with Shevchenko, highlighting the importance of timing.
Overall, Zhang’s continued success in the Octagon has solidified her status as a top-tier fighter, with fans eagerly anticipating her next moves in the UFC.